Systems and methods for selecting mri-compatible stimulation parameters

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for generating an MRI-compatible stimulation program based at least in part on a first set of stimulation parameters of a first stimulation program are presented. For example, a method or system (via a processor) can include receiving the first set of stimulation parameters, wherein the first set of stimulation parameters indicates a first set of stimulation electrodes; modifying the first set of stimulation parameters to generate a second set of stimulation parameters of the MRI-compatible stimulation program by at least one of 1) reducing a value of at least one stimulation parameter of the first set of stimulation parameters or 2) replacing, in the first set of electrodes, a case electrode with at least one electrode of the lead; and initiating a signal that provides the IPG with the MRI-compatible stimulation program.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/441,944, filed Jan. 3, 2017,which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present invention is directed to the area of implantable electricalstimulation systems and methods of making and using the systems. Thepresent invention is also directed to systems and methods for selectingmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible stimulation parameters.

BACKGROUND

Implantable electrical stimulation systems have proven therapeutic in avariety of diseases and disorders. For example, spinal cord stimulationsystems have been used as a therapeutic modality for the treatment ofchronic pain syndromes. Peripheral nerve stimulation has been used totreat chronic pain syndrome and incontinence, with a number of otherapplications under investigation. Functional electrical stimulationsystems have been applied to restore some functionality to paralyzedextremities in spinal cord injury patients. Stimulation of the brain,such as deep brain stimulation, can be used to treat a variety ofdiseases or disorders.

Stimulators have been developed to provide therapy for a variety oftreatments. A stimulator can include a control module (with a pulsegenerator), one or more leads, and an array of stimulator electrodes oneach lead. The stimulator electrodes are in contact with or near thenerves, muscles, or other tissue to be stimulated. The pulse generatorin the control module generates electrical pulses that are delivered bythe electrodes to body tissue.

BRIEF SUMMARY

One embodiment is a system for creating a magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)-compatible stimulation program for electrical stimulation of apatient using an implantable electrical stimulation system including animplantable pulse generator and a lead having a plurality of electrodesThe system for creating the MRI-compatible stimulation program includesa processor configured and arranged to: receive a first set ofstimulation parameters of a first stimulation program, wherein the firstset of stimulation parameters indicates a first set of electrodes fordelivery of electrical stimulation; generate an MRI-compatiblestimulation program based at least in part on the received first set ofstimulation parameters, wherein the MRI-compatible stimulation programincludes a second set of stimulation parameters that indicates a secondset of electrodes from the plurality of electrodes for delivery ofelectrical stimulation, wherein generating the MRI-compatiblestimulation program comprises modifying the first set of stimulationparameters by the processor to generate the second set of stimulationparameters by at least one of 1) reducing a value of at least onestimulation parameter of the first set of stimulation parameters or 2)replacing, in the first set of electrodes, a case electrode of theelectrical stimulation system with at least one of the electrodes of thelead; and initiate a signal that provides the implantable pulsegenerator of the electrical stimulation system with the MRI-compatiblestimulation program for producing electrical stimulation to the patient.

In at least some embodiments, the processor is further configured todetermine a value that indicates energy consumption for the firststimulation program, wherein generating the MRI-compatible stimulationprogram further includes reducing the value of the at least onestimulation parameter of the first set of stimulation parameters inresponse to the value that indicates energy consumption.

In at least some embodiments, generating the MRI-compatible stimulationprogram further includes reducing the value of the at least onestimulation parameter of the first set of stimulation parameters,wherein the at least one stimulation parameter of the first set ofstimulation parameters includes at least one of stimulation current,stimulation voltage, pulse width, or pulse frequency.

In at least some embodiments, generating the MRI-compatible stimulationprogram further includes reducing the value of the at least onestimulation parameter of the first set of stimulation parameters,wherein the at least one stimulation parameter of the first set ofstimulation parameters includes a stimulation current.

In at least some embodiments, the first set of electrodes includes thecase electrode and wherein generating the MRI-compatible stimulationprogram includes replacing, in the first set of electrodes, the caseelectrode of the electrical stimulation system with at least one of theelectrodes of the lead.

In at least some embodiments, generating the MRI-compatible stimulationprogram further includes reducing the value of the at least onestimulation parameter of the first set of stimulation parameters,wherein the at least one stimulation parameter of the first set ofstimulation parameters includes the pulse width.

In at least some embodiments, generating the MRI-compatible stimulationprogram further includes replacing the case electrode of the electricalstimulation system with at least one of the electrodes of the lead bydistributing stimulation via the case electrode for the firststimulation program over a plurality of electrodes of the lead that areunused in the first stimulation program.

In at least some embodiments, the system further includes a userinterface communicably coupled to the computer processor, wherein theprocessor is further configured to receive, via the user interface, userinput indicative of user-modification of the MRI-compatible stimulationprogram; and, responsive to the user input, modify the MRI-compatiblestimulation program in accordance with the user-modification to generatea user-modified MRI-compatible stimulation program, wherein initiatingthe signal that provides the implantable pulse generator of theelectrical stimulation system with the MRI-compatible stimulationprogram for producing electrical stimulation to the patient includesinitiating a signal that provides the implantable pulse generator of theelectrical stimulation system with the user-modified MRI-compatiblestimulation program for producing electrical stimulation to the patient.

In at least some embodiments, the processor is further configured toinitiate a signal that initiates electrical stimulation to the patientby the electrical stimulation system in accordance with theMRI-compatible program.

Another embodiment is a non-transitory computer-readable medium havingcomputer executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by aprocessor, cause the processor to perform a method for creating amagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible stimulation program forelectrical stimulation of a patient using an implantable electricalstimulation system including an implantable pulse generator and a leadhaving a plurality of electrodes. The method includes receiving a firstset of stimulation parameters of a first stimulation program, whereinthe first set of stimulation parameters indicates a first set ofelectrodes for delivery of electrical stimulation; generating anMRI-compatible stimulation program based at least in part on thereceived first set of stimulation parameters, wherein the MRI-compatiblestimulation program includes a second set of stimulation parameters thatindicates a second set of electrodes from the plurality of electrodesfor delivery of electrical stimulation, wherein generating theMRI-compatible stimulation program comprises modifying the first set ofstimulation parameters by the processor to generate the second set ofstimulation parameters by at least one of 1) reducing a value of atleast one stimulation parameter of the first set of stimulationparameters or 2) replacing, in the first set of electrodes, a caseelectrode of the electrical stimulation system with at least one of theelectrodes of the lead; and initiating a signal that provides theimplantable pulse generator of the electrical stimulation system withthe MRI-compatible stimulation program for producing electricalstimulation to the patient.

In at least some embodiments, the method further includes determining avalue that indicates energy consumption for the first stimulationprogram, wherein generating the MRI-compatible stimulation programfurther includes reducing the value of the at least one stimulationparameter of the first set of stimulation parameters in response to thevalue that indicates energy consumption.

In at least some embodiments, generating the MRI-compatible stimulationprogram further includes reducing the value of the at least onestimulation parameter of the first set of stimulation parameters,wherein the at least one stimulation parameter of the first set ofstimulation parameters includes at least one of stimulation current,stimulation voltage, pulse width, or pulse frequency.

In at least some embodiments, generating the MRI-compatible stimulationprogram further includes reducing the value of the at least onestimulation parameter of the first set of stimulation parameters,wherein the at least one stimulation parameter of the first set ofstimulation parameters includes at least one of stimulation current orpulse.

In at least some embodiments, generating the MRI-compatible stimulationprogram further includes replacing the case electrode of the electricalstimulation system with at least one of the electrodes of the lead bydistributing stimulation via the case electrode for the firststimulation program over a plurality of electrodes of the lead that areunused for the first stimulation program.

In at least some embodiments, the method further includes receiving, viaa user interface, a user input indicative of one or more electrodes toexclude from the second set of electrodes; and responsive to the userinput, excluding the one or more electrodes from the second set ofelectrodes.

Yet another embodiment is a method for creating a magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI)-compatible stimulation program for electrical stimulationof a patient using an implantable electrical stimulation systemincluding an implantable pulse generator and a lead having a pluralityof electrodes. The method includes receiving, by a processor, a firstset of stimulation parameters of a first stimulation program, whereinthe first set of stimulation parameters indicates a first set ofelectrodes for delivery of electrical stimulation; generating, by theprocessor, an MRI-compatible stimulation program based at least in parton the received first set of stimulation parameters, wherein theMRI-compatible stimulation program includes a second set of stimulationparameters that indicates a second set of electrodes from the pluralityof electrodes for delivery of electrical stimulation, wherein generatingthe MRI-compatible stimulation program comprises modifying the first setof stimulation parameters by the processor to generate the second set ofstimulation parameters by at least one of 1) reducing a value of atleast one stimulation parameter of the first set of stimulationparameters or 2) replacing, in the first set of electrodes, a caseelectrode of the electrical stimulation system with at least one of theelectrodes of the lead; and initiating, by the processor, a signal thatprovides the implantable pulse generator of the electrical stimulationsystem with the MRI-compatible stimulation program for producingelectrical stimulation to the patient.

In at least some embodiments, the method further includes determining,by the processor, a value that indicates energy consumption for thefirst stimulation program, wherein generating the MRI-compatiblestimulation program further includes reducing, by the processor, thevalue of the at least one stimulation parameter of the first set ofstimulation parameters in response to the value that indicates energyconsumption.

In at least some embodiments, generating the MRI-compatible stimulationprogram further includes reducing, by the processor, the value of the atleast one stimulation parameter of the first set of stimulationparameters, wherein the at least one stimulation parameter of the firstset of stimulation parameters includes at least one of stimulationcurrent, stimulation voltage, pulse width, or pulse frequency.

In at least some embodiments, generating the MRI-compatible stimulationprogram further includes replacing, by the processor, the case electrodeof the electrical stimulation system with at least one of the electrodesof the lead by distributing stimulation via the case electrode for thefirst stimulation program over a plurality of electrodes of the leadthat are unused for the first stimulation program.

In at least some embodiments, initiating the signal that provides theimplantable pulse generator of the electrical stimulation system withthe MRI-compatible stimulation program for producing electricalstimulation to the patient includes displaying, via a user interfacecommunicatively coupled to the processor, one or more of 1) the secondset of stimulation parameters or 2) an estimated stimulation regionbased on the second set of stimulation parameters; receiving, by theprocessor via the user interface, a user input indicative of acceptanceof the MRI-compatible stimulation program; responsive at least in partto the user input, initiating, by the processor, the signal thatprovides the implantable pulse generator of the electrical stimulationsystem with the MRI-compatible stimulation program for producingelectrical stimulation to the patient; responsive at least in part tothe patient undergoing an MRI scan, initiating a signal that controlsthe implantable pulse generator of the electrical stimulation system toimplement the MRI-compatible stimulation program; and responsive atleast in part to conclusion of the MRI scan, initiating a signal thatcontrols the implantable pulse generator of the electrical stimulationsystem to implement the first stimulation program.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention aredescribed with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings,like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the variousfigures unless otherwise specified.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will bemade to the following Detailed Description, which is to be read inassociation with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of an electricalstimulation system, according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of one embodiment of an electricalstimulation lead, according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a system fordetermining stimulation parameters, according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method of determiningMRI-compatible stimulation parameters, according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a second embodiment of a method of determiningMRI-compatible stimulation parameters, according to the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic illustration of one embodiment of a method ofdetermining MRI-compatible stimulation parameters, according to theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to the area of implantable electricalstimulation systems and methods of making and using the systems. Thepresent invention is also directed to systems and methods for selectingMRI-compatible stimulation parameters.

Suitable implantable electrical stimulation systems include, but are notlimited to, a least one lead with one or more electrodes disposed on adistal end of the lead and one or more terminals disposed on one or moreproximal ends of the lead. Leads include, for example, percutaneousleads, paddle leads, cuff leads, or any other arrangement of electrodeson a lead. Examples of electrical stimulation systems with leads arefound in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,181,969; 6,516,227; 6,609,029;6,609,032; 6,741,892; 7,244,150; 7,450,997; 7,672,734; 7,761,165;7,783,359; 7,792,590; 7,809,446; 7,949,395; 7,974,706; 8,175,710;8,224,450; 8,271,094; 8,295,944; 8,364,278; 8,391,985; and 8,688,235;and U.S. Patent Applications Publication Nos. 2007/0150036;2009/0187222; 2009/0276021; 2010/0076535; 2010/0268298; 2011/0005069;2011/0004267; 2011/0078900; 2011/0130817; 2011/0130818; 2011/0238129;2011/0313500; 2012/0016378; 2012/0046710; 2012/0071949; 2012/0165911;2012/0197375; 2012/0203316; 2012/0203320; 2012/0203321; 2012/0316615;2013/0105071; and 2013/0197602, all of which are incorporated byreference. In the discussion below, a percutaneous lead will beexemplified, but it will be understood that the methods and systemsdescribed herein are also applicable to paddle leads and other leads.

A percutaneous lead for electrical stimulation (for example, deep brainor spinal cord stimulation) includes stimulation electrodes that can bering electrodes, segmented electrodes that extend only partially aroundthe circumference of the lead, or any other type of electrode, or anycombination thereof. The segmented electrodes can be provided in sets ofelectrodes, with each set having electrodes circumferentiallydistributed about the lead at a particular longitudinal position. Forillustrative purposes, the leads are described herein relative to usefor deep brain stimulation, but it will be understood that any of theleads can be used for applications other than deep brain stimulation,including spinal cord stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, orstimulation of other nerves, muscles, and tissues. In particular,stimulation may stimulate specific targets. Examples of such targetsinclude, but are not limited to, the subthalamic nucleus (STN), internalsegment of the globus pallidus (GPi), external segment of the globuspallidus (GPe), and the like. In at least some embodiments, ananatomical structure is defined by its physical structure and aphysiological target is defined by its functional attributes. In atleast one of the various embodiments, the lead may be positioned atleast partially within the target, but in other embodiments, the leadmay be near, but not inside, the target.

Turning to FIG. 1, one embodiment of an electrical stimulation system 10includes one or more stimulation leads 12 and an implantable pulsegenerator (IPG) 14. The system 10 can also include one or more of anexternal remote control (RC) 16, a clinician's programmer (CP) 18, anexternal trial stimulator (ETS) 20, or an external charger 22.

The IPG 14 is physically connected, optionally via one or more leadextensions 24, to the stimulation lead(s) 12. Each lead carries multipleelectrodes 26 arranged in an array. The IPG 14 includes pulse generationcircuitry that delivers electrical stimulation energy in the form of,for example, a pulsed electrical waveform (i.e., a temporal series ofelectrical pulses) to the electrode array 26 in accordance with a set ofstimulation parameters. The IPG 14 can be implanted into a patient'sbody, for example, below the patient's clavicle area or within thepatient's buttocks or abdominal cavity. The IPG 14 can have eightstimulation channels which may be independently programmable to controlthe magnitude of the current stimulus from each channel. In at leastsome embodiments, the IPG 14 can have more or fewer than eightstimulation channels (for example, 4-, 6-, 16-, 32-, or more stimulationchannels). The IPG 14 can have one, two, three, four, or more connectorports, for receiving the terminals of the leads.

The ETS 20 may also be physically connected, optionally via thepercutaneous lead extensions 28 and external cable 30, to thestimulation leads 12. The ETS 20, which may have similar pulsegeneration circuitry as the IPG 14, also delivers electrical stimulationenergy in the form of, for example, a pulsed electrical waveform to theelectrode array 26 in accordance with a set of stimulation parameters.One difference between the ETS 20 and the IPG 14 is that the ETS 20 isoften a non-implantable device that is used on a trial basis after theneurostimulation leads 12 have been implanted and prior to implantationof the IPG 14, to test the responsiveness of the stimulation that is tobe provided. Any functions described herein with respect to the IPG 14can likewise be performed with respect to the ETS 20.

The RC 16 may be used to telemetrically communicate with or control theIPG 14 or ETS 20 via a uni- or bi-directional wireless communicationslink 32. Once the IPG 14 and neurostimulation leads 12 are implanted,the RC 16 may be used to telemetrically communicate with or control theIPG 14 via a uni- or bi-directional communications link 34. Suchcommunication or control allows the IPG 14 to be turned on or off and tobe programmed with different stimulation parameter sets. The IPG 14 mayalso be operated to modify the programmed stimulation parameters toactively control the characteristics of the electrical stimulationenergy output by the IPG 14. The CP 18 allows a user, such as aclinician, the ability to program stimulation parameters for the IPG 14and ETS 20 in the operating room and in follow-up sessions.

The CP 18 may perform this function by indirectly communicating with theIPG 14 or ETS 20, through the RC 16, via a wireless communications link36. Alternatively, the CP 18 may directly communicate with the IPG 14 orETS 20 via a wireless communications link (not shown). The stimulationparameters provided by the CP 18 are also used to program the RC 16, sothat the stimulation parameters can be subsequently modified byoperation of the RC 16 in a stand-alone mode (i.e., without theassistance of the CP 18).

For purposes of brevity, the details of the RC 16, CP 18, ETS 20, andexternal charger 22 will not be further described herein. Details ofexemplary embodiments of these devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,895,280, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Otherexamples of electrical stimulation systems can be found at U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,181,969; 6,516,227; 6,609,029; 6,609,032; 6,741,892; 7,949,395;7,244,150; 7,672,734; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,761,165; 7,974,706;8,175,710; 8,224,450; and 8,364,278; and U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2007/0150036, as well as the other references citedabove, all of which are incorporated by reference.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a lead 100 with electrodes 125disposed at least partially about a circumference of the lead 100 alonga distal end portion of the lead 100 and terminals 135 disposed along aproximal end portion of the lead 100. The lead 100 can be implanted nearor within the desired portion of the body to be stimulated such as, forexample, the brain, spinal cord, or other body organs or tissues. In oneexample of operation for deep brain stimulation, access to the desiredposition in the brain can be accomplished by drilling a hole in thepatient's skull or cranium with a cranial drill (commonly referred to asa burr), and coagulating and incising the dura mater, or brain covering.The lead 100 can be inserted into the cranium and brain tissue with theassistance of a stylet (not shown). The lead 100 can be guided to thetarget location within the brain using, for example, a stereotacticframe and a microdrive motor system. In at least some embodiments, themicrodrive motor system can be fully or partially automatic. Themicrodrive motor system may be configured to perform one or more thefollowing actions (alone or in combination): insert the lead 100,advance the lead 100, retract the lead 100, or rotate the lead 100.

In at least some embodiments, measurement devices coupled to the musclesor other tissues stimulated by the target neurons, or a unit responsiveto the patient or clinician, can be coupled to the IPG 14 or microdrivemotor system. The measurement device, user, or clinician can indicate aresponse by the target muscles or other tissues to the stimulation orrecording electrode(s) to further identify the target neurons andfacilitate positioning of the stimulation electrode(s). For example, ifthe target neurons are directed to a muscle experiencing tremors, ameasurement device can be used to observe the muscle and indicatechanges in, for example, tremor frequency or amplitude in response tostimulation of neurons. Alternatively, the patient or clinician canobserve the muscle and provide feedback.

The lead 100 for deep brain stimulation can include stimulationelectrodes, recording electrodes, or both. In at least some embodiments,the lead 100 is rotatable so that the stimulation electrodes can bealigned with the target neurons after the neurons have been locatedusing the recording electrodes.

Stimulation electrodes may be disposed on the circumference of the lead100 to stimulate the target neurons. Stimulation electrodes may bering-shaped so that current projects from each electrode equally inevery direction from the position of the electrode along a length of thelead 100. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, two of the electrodes 125 arering electrodes 120. Ring electrodes typically do not enable stimuluscurrent to be directed from only a limited angular range around a lead.Segmented electrodes 130, however, can be used to direct stimuluscurrent to a selected angular range around a lead. When segmentedelectrodes are used in conjunction with an implantable pulse generatorthat delivers constant current stimulus, current steering can beachieved to more precisely deliver the stimulus to a position around anaxis of a lead (i.e., radial positioning around the axis of a lead). Toachieve current steering, segmented electrodes can be utilized inaddition to, or as an alternative to, ring electrodes.

The lead 100 includes a lead body 110, terminals 135, one or more ringelectrodes 120, and one or more sets of segmented electrodes 130 (or anyother combination of electrodes). The lead body 110 can be formed of abiocompatible, non-conducting material such as, for example, a polymericmaterial. Suitable polymeric materials include, but are not limited to,silicone, polyurethane, polyurea, polyurethane-urea, polyethylene, orthe like. Once implanted in the body, the lead 100 may be in contactwith body tissue for extended periods of time. In at least someembodiments, the lead 100 has a cross-sectional diameter of no more than1.5 mm and may be in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 mm. In at least someembodiments, the lead 100 has a length of at least 10 cm and the lengthof the lead 100 may be in the range of 10 to 70 cm.

The electrodes 125 can be made using a metal, alloy, conductive oxide,or any other suitable conductive biocompatible material. Examples ofsuitable materials include, but are not limited to, platinum, platinumiridium alloy, iridium, titanium, tungsten, palladium, palladiumrhodium, or the like. Preferably, the electrodes 125 are made of amaterial that is biocompatible and does not substantially corrode underexpected operating conditions in the operating environment for theexpected duration of use.

Each of the electrodes 125 can either be used or unused (OFF). When anelectrode is used, the electrode can be used as an anode or cathode andcarry anodic or cathodic current. In some instances, an electrode mightbe an anode for a period of time and a cathode for a period of time.

Deep brain stimulation leads may include one or more sets of segmentedelectrodes. Segmented electrodes may provide for superior currentsteering than ring electrodes because target structures in deep brainstimulation are not typically symmetric about the axis of the distalelectrode array. Instead, a target may be located on one side of a planerunning through the axis of the lead. Through the use of a radiallysegmented electrode array (“RSEA”), current steering can be performednot only along a length of the lead but also around a circumference ofthe lead. This provides precise three-dimensional targeting and deliveryof the current stimulus to neural target tissue, while potentiallyavoiding stimulation of other tissue. Examples of leads with segmentedelectrodes include U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,473,061; 8,571,665; and 8,792,993;U.S. Patent Application Publications Nos. 2010/0268298; 2011/0005069;2011/0130803; 2011/0130816; 2011/0130817; 2011/0130818; 2011/0078900;2011/0238129; 2012/0016378; 2012/0046710; 2012/0071949; 2012/0165911;2012/197375; 2012/0203316; 2012/0203320; 2012/0203321; 2013/0197424;2013/0197602; 2014/0039587; 2014/0353001; 2014/0358208; 2014/0358209;2014/0358210; 2015/0045864; 2015/0066120; 2015/0018915; 2015/0051681;U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/557,211 and 14/286,797; and U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/113,291, all of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a system for practicing theinvention. The system can include a computing device 300 or any othersimilar device that includes a processor 302 and a memory 304, a display306, an input device 308, and, optionally, an electrical stimulationsystem 312. The system 300 may also optionally include one or moreimaging systems 310.

The computing device 300 can be a computer, tablet, mobile device, orany other suitable device for processing information. The computingdevice 300 can be local to the user or can include components that arenon-local to the computer including one or both of the processor 302 ormemory 304 (or portions thereof). For example, in at least someembodiments, the user may operate a terminal that is connected to anon-local computing device. In other embodiments, the memory can benon-local to the user.

The computing device 300 can utilize any suitable processor 302including one or more hardware processors that may be local to the useror non-local to the user or other components of the computing device.The processor 302 is configured to execute instructions provided to theprocessor 302, as described below.

Any suitable memory 304 can be used for the computing device 302. Thememory 304 illustrates a type of computer-readable media, namelycomputer-readable storage media. Computer-readable storage media mayinclude, but is not limited to, nonvolatile, non-transitory, removable,and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology forstorage of information, such as computer readable instructions, datastructures, program modules, or other data. Examples ofcomputer-readable storage media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory,or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (“DVD”) orother optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which canbe used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by acomputing device.

Communication methods provide another type of computer readable media;namely communication media. Communication media typically embodiescomputer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, orother data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave, datasignal, or other transport mechanism and include any informationdelivery media. The terms “modulated data signal,” and “carrier-wavesignal” includes a signal that has one or more of its characteristicsset or changed in such a manner as to encode information, instructions,data, and the like, in the signal. By way of example, communicationmedia includes wired media such as twisted pair, coaxial cable, fiberoptics, wave guides, and other wired media and wireless media such asacoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media.

The display 306 can be any suitable display device, such as a monitor,screen, display, or the like, and can include a printer. The inputdevice 308 can be, for example, a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, trackball, joystick, voice recognition system, or any combination thereof, orthe like.

One or more imaging systems 310 can be used including, but not limitedto, Mill, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, or other imagingsystems. The imaging system 310 may communicate through a wired orwireless connection with the computing device 300 or, alternatively oradditionally, a user can provide images from the imaging system 310using a computer-readable medium or by some other mechanism.

The electrical stimulation system 312 can include, for example, any ofthe components illustrated in FIG. 1. The electrical stimulation system312 may communicate with the computing device 300 through a wired orwireless connection or, alternatively or additionally, a user canprovide information between the electrical stimulation system 312 andthe computing device 300 using a computer-readable medium or by someother mechanism. In at least some embodiments, the computing device 300may include part of the electrical stimulation system, such as, forexample, the IPG 14, CP 18, RC 16, ETS 20, or any combination thereof.

The methods and systems described herein may be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Accordingly, the methods and systemsdescribed herein may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment,an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software andhardware aspects. Systems referenced herein typically include memory andtypically include methods for communication with other devices includingmobile devices. Methods of communication can include both wired andwireless (for example, RF, optical, or infrared) communications methodsand such methods provide another type of computer readable media; namelycommunication media. Wired communication can include communication overa twisted pair, coaxial cable, fiber optics, wave guides, or the like,or any combination thereof. Wireless communication can include RF,infrared, acoustic, near field communication, Bluetooth′, or the like,or any combination thereof.

Under normal operating conditions, a stimulation system that implementsa stimulation program will stimulate a desired portion of patienttissue. It has been found, however, that during an MRI scan a powersource of the stimulation system may drain at a dramatically higher ratefor the same stimulation program. Accordingly, the stimulation systemmay fail to sufficiently stimulate or may completely fail to stimulatethe desired patient tissue.

To address this issued, the present systems or methods can generate anMRI-compatible stimulation program that will, at least partially,alleviate the battery drain while still providing useful stimulation tothe patient tissue. In at least some embodiments, the stimulation may beless effective than stimulation using the original stimulation program,but the objective is to provide at least some effective stimulationduring the MRI procedure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of one embodiment of a method of creatingthe MRI-compatible stimulation program. In step 402, a first set ofstimulation parameters of a first stimulation program is received. Astimulation program can be described by a set of stimulation parametersthat produce the stimulation of the stimulation program. Stimulationparameters can include, but are not limited to, selection of electrodeor electrodes to produce the stimulation, stimulation amplitude (totalamplitude or individual amplitude for each electrode when multipleelectrodes are used to produce the stimulation), pulse width, pulsefrequency, and the like. In at least some embodiments, at least onestimulation parameter may indicate a minimum permissible parameter value(for example, a minimum stimulation current that represents an estimatedminimum amount of current that stimulates the tissue), a maximumpermissible parameter value (for example, a maximum pulse width thatrepresents an upper limit of a range of pulse widths that the system mayemploy), or the like. Some stimulation programs may also be more complexwhere the selection of electrodes may change during the program (forexample, alternating between a first selection of electrodes and secondselection of electrodes) or changes in amplitude, pulse width, pulsefrequency, or the like. Also, some stimulation programs may also includebursts of stimulation pulses with at least one stimulation parameterindicating a burst frequency, burst width, duty cycle, burst pattern, orthe like.

Examples of different stimulation programs and methods and systems forchoosing stimulation programs can be found at, for example, U.S. Pat.Nos. 8,326,433; 8,675,945; 8,831,731; 8,849,632; and 8,958,615; U.S.Patent Application Publications Nos. 2009/0287272; 2009/0287273;2012/0314924; 2013/0116744; 2014/0122379; and 2015/0066111; and U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/030,655; U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/186,184, all of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

The first set of stimulation parameters can be received in any suitablemanner. For example, the first set of stimulation parameters may beretrieved from an internal or external memory. As another example, theclinician or user can input or otherwise generate the first stimulationprogram via any manner explained herein. The first set of stimulationparameters may be obtained from the IPG or other device. Combinations ofthese methods, or any other suitable arrangement for providing the setof stimulation parameters, may also be used to obtain the first set ofstimulation parameters.

In step 404, a MRI-compatible stimulation program is generated based onthe first stimulation program. In at least some embodiments, theMRI-compatible stimulation program is generated based at least in parton the first set of stimulation parameters of the first stimulationprogram by modifying one or more of those stimulation parameters. TheMRI-compatible stimulation program includes a second set of stimulationparameters. At least some of stimulation parameters of the second set ofstimulation parameters are related to, or the same as, the correspondingstimulation parameters in the first set of stimulation parameters. In atleast some embodiments, the MRI-compatible stimulation program isgenerated by modifying one or more of the stimulation parameters of thefirst set to generate the second set of stimulation parameters.

The MRI-compatible stimulation program is generated to increaselikelihood that the stimulation system provides suitable stimulates thepatient during an MRI scan while ameliorating one or more deleteriouseffects on the system or patient during the MRI scan. In at least someembodiments, the first stimulation program can be used to stimulate thepatient under normal or non-MRI conditions (for example, before or afteran MRI scan of the patient) and the MRI-compatible stimulation programcan be used for stimulating the patient under MRI scan conditions (forexample, during the MRI scan of the patient).

In at least some embodiments, generating the MRI-compatible stimulationprogram may involve reducing, or otherwise altering, a value of at leastone stimulation parameter of the first set of stimulation parameters.For example, the value may be reduced or altered so that it does notexceed a predefined threshold, a maximum value, or an upper limit. In atleast some embodiments that define the amount of stimulation usingcurrent, the total current (or the current associated with any specificelectrode) delivered during stimulation may be limited to a predefinedthreshold (for example, no more than 1, 0.75, 0.5, or 0.25 mA) in theMRI-compatible program. If the current delivered during the firststimulation program exceeds this threshold, then current in theMRI-compatible stimulation program is reduced to the threshold amount(or lower). Other examples of stimulation parameters that may be alteredin a similar manner to that described above for stimulation currentinclude, but are not limited to, stimulation voltage, pulse width, pulsefrequency, burst width, and burst frequency. Reducing one or more ofthese parameters may be beneficial during a MRI scan.

In at least some embodiments, generating the MRI-compatible stimulationprogram may involve altering a selection of electrodes for providing thestimulation. For example, the MRI-compatible stimulation program mayonly permit monophasic stimulation (i.e., only one anode and onecathode). In this instance, if the first stimulation program providesbiphasic or multiphasic stimulation (using two or more anodes or two ormore cathodes), then the selection of electrodes is altered in theMRI-compatible stimulation program to select only one of thoseanodes/cathodes for stimulation delivery.

As another example, the case of the IPG 14 is often used as an anode orcathode during stimulation, but the MRI-compatible stimulation programmay not allow this usage and may require altering the placement of thecathode or anode on the case of the IPG 14 to one or more electrodes onthe lead 12.

In step 406, the computing device 300 delivers the MRI-compatiblestimulation program to the IPG 14, ETS 20, or other device. For example,the computing device 300 can initiate the signal that provides the IPG14, ETS 20, or other device with the MRI-compatible stimulation program.

In step 408, the IPG 14, ETS 20, or other device stimulates the patientusing the first stimulation program. This stimulation is provided exceptfor periods of an MRI scan.

In step 410, the IPG 14, ETS 20, or other device is directed tostimulate the patient using the MRI-compatible stimulation program. Inat least some embodiments, the IPG 14, ETS 20, or other device iscoupled to a sensor or other device that can detect that an MRI scan isoccurring or soon to occur (for example, detecting a large staticmagnetic field of the MRI device or changing magnetic field gradients orRF fields associated with MRI scans) and, responsive to this detection,automatically direct the IPG 14, ETS 20, or other device to switch tothe MRI-compatible stimulation program. In at least some embodiments, auser (clinician, patient, or other person) using an external device,such as CP 18, RC 16, or another device, can communicate with the IPG14, ETS 20, or other device to manually direct the IPG 14, ETS 20, orother device to switch to the MRI-compatible stimulation program. In atleast some embodiments, a system may provide for both the automatic ormanual direction of the IPG 14, ETS 20, or other device to switch to theMRI-compatible stimulation program.

In step 412, the IPG 14, ETS 20, or other device is directed to returnto the first stimulation program to stimulate the patient. In at leastsome embodiments, the IPG 14, ETS 20, or other device may automaticallyswitch to the first stimulation program after a predetermined period oftime. In at least some embodiments, the IPG 14, ETS 20, or other deviceis coupled to a sensor or other device that can detect when an MRI scanis complete and, responsive to this detection, automatically direct theIPG 14, ETS 20, or other device to switch back to the first stimulationprogram. In at least some embodiments, a user (clinician, patient, orother person) using an external device, such as CP 18, RC 16, or anotherdevice, can communicate with the IPG 14, ETS 20, or other device tomanually direct the IPG 14, ETS 20, or other device to switch back tothe first stimulation program. In some systems, a combination of two orthree of these mechanisms can be available to direct he IPG 14, ETS 20,or other device to switch back to the first stimulation program.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a method for creating theMRI-compatible stimulation program. In step 502, a first set ofstimulation parameters of a first stimulation program is received justas in step 402.

In step 504, a value indicative of energy consumption is determined.This determination may be performed by the IPG 14, ETS 20, CP 18, RC 16,or other device. In at least some embodiments, this value may be knownor previously calculated or estimated. In at least some embodiments, thevalue may be indicative of energy consumption under normal conditions orenergy consumption while the stimulation system implements the firststimulation program under MRI scan conditions. In at least someembodiments, the value may be determined using a predefined formula orinformation in a database (for example, empirical data obtained fromobserving differences in energy consumption of various stimulationsystems under normal conditions versus energy consumption of the variousstimulation systems under MRI scan conditions).

One example of a value indicative of energy consumption is the pulsewidth multiplied by a square of the stimulation current or the pulsewidth multiplied by a square of the minimum stimulation current. Othervalues and calculations for the values may be used. Additionally oralternatively to calculating a value, at least one parameter value maybe used in the calculation or as a representation of the energyconsumption (for example, pulse width, stimulation current, minimumstimulation current threshold, or another one of those discussed above).In addition, it will be understood that multiple values may be takeninto account to describe energy consumption. In at least someembodiments, the value indicative of energy consumption may be ameasured value (for example, a change in battery charge over time).

In step 506, a MRI-compatible stimulation program is generated based onthe first stimulation program and the value indicative of energyconsumption determined in the step 504. In determining theMRI-compatible stimulation program, the system may determine how tomodify the first set of stimulation parameters to reduce the energyconsumption to a threshold or target value (or lower). In at least someembodiments, generating the MRI-compatible stimulation program mayinvolve reducing, or otherwise altering, a value of at least onestimulation parameter of the first set of stimulation parameters oraltering the selection of electrodes, or any combination thereof.Examples of such alterations are provided above with respect to step 404in FIG. 4. In at least some embodiments, the system may iterativelyalter stimulation parameters until a value of the energy consumption forthe new stimulation program is equal to or less than a threshold ortarget value.

Steps 508 to 514 are the same as steps 406 to 412, respectively.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of one method of creating the MRI-compatiblestimulation program. In step 602, the system provides a graphical userinterface (GUI). The user interface may be on, for example, CP 18 or RC16. In step 604, the first set of stimulation parameters of the firststimulation program are received and an MRI-compatible stimulationprogram is generated. For example, step 604 can be performed asdescribed above in steps 402-404 of FIG. 4 or steps 502-506 of FIG. 5.Optionally, the user interface may allow the user to set user-definedlimitations to the MRI-compatible stimulation program prior togenerating the MRI-compatible stimulation program. For example, the usermay be permitted to set limits on stimulation parameters or may be ableto designate electrodes that cannot be used for stimulation or designateelectrodes that must be used for stimulation.

In step 606, the MRI-compatible stimulation program (for example, thestimulation parameters of the MRI-compatible stimulation program) isdisplayed in the user interface. This permits a user, such as aclinician or patient, to review the MRI-compatible program.

In other embodiments, the system may display an estimated stimulationregion based on the stimulation parameters of the MRI-compatibleprogram. Optionally, the user interface may also display an estimatedstimulation region for the first stimulation program.

In step 608, the user interface allows the user to modify theMRI-compatible stimulation program. For example, the user may be allowedto modify values of one or more of the stimulation parameters or modifyelectrode selection (either adding or deleting electrodes to be used forstimulation), or any combination thereof. The modified MRI-compatiblestimulation program may then be displayed in the user interface.

In at least some embodiments, the system may provide at least onewarning if an adjustment is outside of previously set thresholds orrules for the MRI-compatible stimulation program. For example, a warningmay be issued if an adjusted stimulation parameter exceeds a predefinedvalue or if the resulting value indicative of energy consumption, forthat set of stimulation parameters, exceeds a threshold value. As otherexample, a warning may be issued if the modified electrode selection isbiphasic or multiphasic when the MRI-compatible stimulation program isintended to be monophasic or when the case electrode is modified to beused as an anode or cathode when the MRI-compatible stimulation programis intended not to use the case electrode. Any suitable warning can beused including, but not limited to, a visual, audible, or haptic warningor any combination thereof. Alternatively, the system may simply preventan adjustment that is outside of previously set thresholds or limits orthat violates rules for the MRI-compatible stimulation program. In atleast some embodiments, some adjustments may be prevented while otheradjustments may be allowed with a warning to the user.

In embodiments that display an estimated stimulation region based on thestimulation parameters of the MRI-compatible program, that estimatedstimulation region may be altered with alteration of the stimulationparameters. In at least some embodiments, the user interface may alsodisplay the estimated stimulation region based on the stimulationparameters of the unmodified MRI-compatible program. Each of theestimated stimulation regions may be displayed with a visual orgraphical difference (such as different coloring, shaping, or the like).

Steps 610 to 616 are the same as steps 406 to 412, respectively.

In at least some embodiments, the system may require the clinician oruser to approve the MRI-compatible stimulation program prior to deliveryor use of the MRI-compatible stimulation program. In at least someembodiments, the system may require testing via the ETS 20 beforeapproval.

It will be understood that the system can include one or more of themethods described hereinabove with respect to FIGS. 4-6 in anycombination. The methods, systems, and units described herein may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly, the methods, systems,and units described herein may take the form of an entirely hardwareembodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combiningsoftware and hardware aspects. The methods described herein can beperformed using any type of processor or any combination of processorswhere each processor performs at least part of the process.

It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations,and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and methodsdisclosed herein, can be implemented by computer program instructions.These program instructions may be provided to a processor to produce amachine, such that the instructions, which execute on the processor,create means for implementing the actions specified in the flowchartblock or blocks disclosed herein. The computer program instructions maybe executed by a processor to cause a series of operational steps to beperformed by the processor to produce a computer implemented process.The computer program instructions may also cause at least some of theoperational steps to be performed in parallel. Moreover, some of thesteps may also be performed across more than one processor, such asmight arise in a multi-processor computer system. In addition, one ormore processes may also be performed concurrently with other processes,or even in a different sequence than illustrated without departing fromthe scope or spirit of the invention.

The computer program instructions can be stored on any suitablecomputer-readable medium including, but not limited to, RAM, ROM,EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digitalversatile disks (“DVD”) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,or any other medium which can be used to store the desired informationand which can be accessed by a computing device.

The above specification provides a description of the structure,manufacture, and use of the invention. Since many embodiments of theinvention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention, the invention also resides in the claims hereinafterappended.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent ofthe United States is:
 1. A system for creating a magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI)-compatible stimulation program for electrical stimulationof a patient using an implantable electrical stimulation systemcomprising an implantable pulse generator and a lead having a pluralityof electrodes, the system for creating the MRI-compatible stimulationprogram comprising: a processor configured to: receive a first set ofstimulation parameters of a first stimulation program, wherein the firstset of stimulation parameters indicates a first set of electrodes fordelivery of electrical stimulation; generate an MRI-compatiblestimulation program based at least in part on the received first set ofstimulation parameters, wherein the MRI-compatible stimulation programcomprises a second set of stimulation parameters that indicates a secondset of electrodes from the plurality of electrodes for delivery ofelectrical stimulation, wherein generating the MRI-compatiblestimulation program comprises modifying the first set of stimulationparameters by the processor to generate the second set of stimulationparameters by at least one of 1) reducing a value of at least onestimulation parameter of the first set of stimulation parameters or 2)replacing, in the first set of electrodes, a case electrode of theelectrical stimulation system with at least one of the electrodes of thelead; and initiate a signal that provides the implantable pulsegenerator of the electrical stimulation system with the MRI-compatiblestimulation program for producing electrical stimulation to the patient.2. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured todetermine a value that indicates energy consumption for the firststimulation program, wherein generating the MRI-compatible stimulationprogram further comprises reducing the value of the at least onestimulation parameter of the first set of stimulation parameters inresponse to the value that indicates energy consumption.
 3. The systemof claim 1, wherein generating the MRI-compatible stimulation programfurther comprises reducing the value of the at least one stimulationparameter of the first set of stimulation parameters, wherein the atleast one stimulation parameter of the first set of stimulationparameters comprises at least one of stimulation current, stimulationvoltage, pulse width, or pulse frequency.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein generating the MRI-compatible stimulation program furthercomprises reducing the value of the at least one stimulation parameterof the first set of stimulation parameters, wherein the at least onestimulation parameter of the first set of stimulation parameterscomprises a stimulation current.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein thefirst set of electrodes comprises the case electrode and whereingenerating the MRI-compatible stimulation program comprises replacing,in the first set of electrodes, the case electrode of the electricalstimulation system with at least one of the electrodes of the lead. 6.The system of claim 1, wherein generating the MRI-compatible stimulationprogram further comprises reducing the value of the at least onestimulation parameter of the first set of stimulation parameters,wherein the at least one stimulation parameter of the first set ofstimulation parameters comprises the pulse width.
 7. The system of claim1, wherein generating the MRI-compatible stimulation program furthercomprises replacing the case electrode of the electrical stimulationsystem with at least one of the electrodes of the lead by distributingstimulation via the case electrode for the first stimulation programover a plurality of electrodes of the lead that are unused in the firststimulation program.
 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a userinterface communicably coupled to the computer processor, wherein theprocessor is further configured to: receive, via the user interface,user input indicative of user-modification of the MRI-compatiblestimulation program; and responsive to the user input, modify theMRI-compatible stimulation program in accordance with theuser-modification to generate a user-modified MRI-compatible stimulationprogram, wherein initiating the signal that provides the implantablepulse generator of the electrical stimulation system with theMRI-compatible stimulation program for producing electrical stimulationto the patient comprises initiating a signal that provides theimplantable pulse generator of the electrical stimulation system withthe user-modified MRI-compatible stimulation program for producingelectrical stimulation to the patient.
 9. The system of claim 1, whereinthe processor is further configured to initiate a signal that initiateselectrical stimulation to the patient by the electrical stimulationsystem in accordance with the MRI-compatible program.
 10. Anon-transitory computer-readable medium having computer executableinstructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, causethe processor to perform a method for creating a magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI)-compatible stimulation program for electrical stimulationof a patient using an implantable electrical stimulation systemcomprising an implantable pulse generator and a lead having a pluralityof electrodes, the method comprising: receiving a first set ofstimulation parameters of a first stimulation program, wherein the firstset of stimulation parameters indicates a first set of electrodes fordelivery of electrical stimulation; generating an MRI-compatiblestimulation program based at least in part on the received first set ofstimulation parameters, wherein the MRI-compatible stimulation programcomprises a second set of stimulation parameters that indicates a secondset of electrodes from the plurality of electrodes for delivery ofelectrical stimulation, wherein generating the MRI-compatiblestimulation program comprises modifying the first set of stimulationparameters by the processor to generate the second set of stimulationparameters by at least one of 1) reducing a value of at least onestimulation parameter of the first set of stimulation parameters or 2)replacing, in the first set of electrodes, a case electrode of theelectrical stimulation system with at least one of the electrodes of thelead; and initiating a signal that provides the implantable pulsegenerator of the electrical stimulation system with the MRI-compatiblestimulation program for producing electrical stimulation to the patient.11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein themethod further comprises determining a value that indicates energyconsumption for the first stimulation program, wherein generating theMRI-compatible stimulation program further comprises reducing the valueof the at least one stimulation parameter of the first set ofstimulation parameters in response to the value that indicates energyconsumption.
 12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim10, wherein generating the MRI-compatible stimulation program furthercomprises reducing the value of the at least one stimulation parameterof the first set of stimulation parameters, wherein the at least onestimulation parameter of the first set of stimulation parameterscomprises at least one of stimulation current, stimulation voltage,pulse width, or pulse frequency.
 13. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein generating theMRI-compatible stimulation program further comprises reducing the valueof the at least one stimulation parameter of the first set ofstimulation parameters, wherein the at least one stimulation parameterof the first set of stimulation parameters comprises at least one ofstimulation current or pulse.
 14. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 10, wherein generating the MRI-compatible stimulationprogram further comprises replacing the case electrode of the electricalstimulation system with at least one of the electrodes of the lead bydistributing stimulation via the case electrode for the firststimulation program over a plurality of electrodes of the lead that areunused for the first stimulation program.
 15. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the method furthercomprises: receiving, via a user interface, a user input indicative ofone or more electrodes to exclude from the second set of electrodes; andresponsive to the user input, excluding the one or more electrodes fromthe second set of electrodes.
 16. A method for creating a magneticresonance imaging (MRI)-compatible stimulation program for electricalstimulation of a patient using an implantable electrical stimulationsystem comprising an implantable pulse generator and a lead having aplurality of electrodes, the method comprising: receiving, by aprocessor, a first set of stimulation parameters of a first stimulationprogram, wherein the first set of stimulation parameters indicates afirst set of electrodes for delivery of electrical stimulation;generating, by the processor, an MRI-compatible stimulation programbased at least in part on the received first set of stimulationparameters, wherein the MRI-compatible stimulation program comprises asecond set of stimulation parameters that indicates a second set ofelectrodes from the plurality of electrodes for delivery of electricalstimulation, wherein generating the MRI-compatible stimulation programcomprises modifying the first set of stimulation parameters by theprocessor to generate the second set of stimulation parameters by atleast one of 1) reducing a value of at least one stimulation parameterof the first set of stimulation parameters or 2) replacing, in the firstset of electrodes, a case electrode of the electrical stimulation systemwith at least one of the electrodes of the lead; and initiating, by theprocessor, a signal that provides the implantable pulse generator of theelectrical stimulation system with the MRI-compatible stimulationprogram for producing electrical stimulation to the patient.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, further comprising determining, by the processor, avalue that indicates energy consumption for the first stimulationprogram, wherein generating the MRI-compatible stimulation programfurther comprises reducing, by the processor, the value of the at leastone stimulation parameter of the first set of stimulation parameters inresponse to the value that indicates energy consumption.
 18. The methodof claim 16, wherein generating the MRI-compatible stimulation programfurther comprises reducing, by the processor, the value of the at leastone stimulation parameter of the first set of stimulation parameters,wherein the at least one stimulation parameter of the first set ofstimulation parameters comprises at least one of stimulation current,stimulation voltage, pulse width, or pulse frequency.
 19. The method ofclaim 16, wherein generating the MRI-compatible stimulation programfurther comprises replacing, by the processor, the case electrode of theelectrical stimulation system with at least one of the electrodes of thelead by distributing stimulation via the case electrode for the firststimulation program over a plurality of electrodes of the lead that areunused for the first stimulation program.
 20. The method of claim 16,wherein initiating the signal that provides the implantable pulsegenerator of the electrical stimulation system with the MRI-compatiblestimulation program for producing electrical stimulation to the patientcomprises: displaying, via a user interface communicatively coupled tothe processor, one or more of 1) the second set of stimulationparameters or 2) an estimated stimulation region based on the second setof stimulation parameters; receiving, by the processor via the userinterface, a user input indicative of acceptance of the MRI-compatiblestimulation program; responsive at least in part to the user input,initiating, by the processor, the signal that provides the implantablepulse generator of the electrical stimulation system with theMRI-compatible stimulation program for producing electrical stimulationto the patient; responsive at least in part to the patient undergoing anMRI scan, initiating a signal that controls the implantable pulsegenerator of the electrical stimulation system to implement theMRI-compatible stimulation program; and responsive at least in part toconclusion of the MRI scan, initiating a signal that controls theimplantable pulse generator of the electrical stimulation system toimplement the first stimulation program.